Access Bank Champions Disability Inclusion With Maiden Disability Confidence Training

In a groundbreaking move to advance disability inclusion within the private sector, Access Bank has taken a significant step by hosting a two-day Employers Disability Confidence Training. The initiative, part of Access Holdings’ commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, aimed to equip private sector employers with the tools and knowledge necessary to make their companies more accessible.

The training, held in Lagos, introduced participants to Sightsavers’ Disability Confidence Toolkit and included sessions on the International Labour Organisation self-assessment tool for enterprises. This tool supports companies in benchmarking their corporate social policies against the guidance provided in the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration).

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Head of Group Sustainability at Access Holdings PLC, emphasized the strategic advantage of fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of abilities, can thrive. She underscored the importance of partnerships with social impact organizations in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 10, focusing on reducing inequalities.

“As a global organization, there is a need to acknowledge the incredible talent and potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workforce,” Victor-Laniyan noted.

In line with their commitment, Access Holdings has established a dynamic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group. The group aims to align products and services with the unique needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and currently serves as the Chair of the Nigerian Business Disability Network (NBDN). Notably, the organization has invested in specialized sign language training for its frontline officers to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing colleagues and customers.

The training garnered strong participation from NBDN members, including Airtel Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, British American Tobacco, and Guinness Nigeria (Diageo Group). The event, featuring employees from key units like Supply Chain Management and Human Resources, provided a platform for these leading organizations to collectively advance their commitment to disability inclusion and drive positive change in the corporate sector.

Rasak Adekoya, Global Programme Advisor – Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers, commended the event, stating, “This training represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to create a more inclusive and equitable society. We are thrilled to see the commitment of Access Holdings and other NBDN members in driving disability inclusion forward. My excitement doesn’t end with the success of the training but stems from the knowledge that we are sparking a movement that will bring about lasting change in the business landscape.”